Underage alcohol consumption is a pervasive problem in all areas of the country, but New Jersey police have recently discovered high rates of underage alcohol purchases and theft. The Alcohol Control Board (ABC) partnered with several law enforcement agencies over Memorial Day weekend to crack down on underage drinking. Two youths were even indicted for a DWI (driving while intoxicated).

Posted outside of liquor stores in Dennis Township, the law enforcement officers monitored as six youths between 18 and 20 either bought or stole alcohol from the store. One young man was found with $102 of stolen liquor that he had successfully lifted from the store. The stores that were involved in the underage theft or purchasing face possible penalties from the ABC, including fines that may be imposed or licenses that might possibly be suspended. Purchasing alochol as a minor and consuming alcohol as a minor are both disorderly persons offenses, and fines can be imposed of up to $500 on the perpetrators. The minor’s license can also be suspended for up to six months.

ABC’s top priority is “cracking down on underage drinking,” according to ABC Director Michael Halfacre. The younger a person starts drinking, the more at-risk they are for future alcoholism and destructive behavior. Thankfully, there is good help available for people who are alcohol dependent. Detoxification and behavioral therapy have proven to be effective in treating alcoholism. Addicts are often unable to cope with treatment on their own, or even with family members’ help, so it’s very important to find the right treatment center. At Seabrook House ™, we specialize in customizing our treatment plans to individual patient’s needs, so you know the help you’re getting is right for you or a loved one. Seabrook House ™ has rehabilitation centers in New Jersey (NJ), Pennsylvania (PA), and an outpatient center in New York (NY). Contact Seabrook House ™ today for any questions about alcohol, addiction, and treatment.